JERSEY’S top golfers will take to the course with Channel Island rivals Guernsey this weekend, but on the same side, as the Channel Islands take on Hampshire.
2023 saw the return of this historic contest, the first time it had taken place since 2019. It was Hampshire who took the spoils on that day at Royal Jersey Golf Club, sealing the contest 6.5 – 5.5.
Tomorrow, the Channel Islands’ best golfers will compete at Havant’s Hayling Golf Club on a traditional links style course, similar to conditions at the Royal and L’Ancresse in Guernsey.
The CI team is made up of eight players, four from each Island, and boasts some serious talent. Both finalists of the Channel Island Championships compete, winner Harrison Carlyon (Jersey) and runner up Tom Le Huray (Guernsey). With them are Sarnian Island Games gold medallists Jamie Blondel and Jeremy Nicolle, with the highly rated teenager Conor McKenna making up the Guernsey quartet.
Joining Carlyon in the Jersey foursome are Order of Merit winner Josh Ozard and both Island Games veterans Matt Parkman and Alex Guelpa. Jersey Golf captain Chris Young, although unable to compete, said: “We’ve got a seriously strong team to field this year.
“We are blessed with the talent we have, you know, these guys are experienced seasoned players who have won multiple big titles between them.
“To have both the winner and runner up Channel Island players, as well as Island Games competitors all mixed together, these guys know their way around a golf course.”
The links style of Hayling Golf Club has been compared to similar courses in both Jersey and Guernsey, something Young believes will help his team.
“I think most of the lads have played at the course before.
“It is fairly similar to courses they all play on regularly, so although we will be away from home, the conditions should not be too dissimilar to what we usually compete on.
Tomorrow is the foursomes contest, where four CI pairs will compete against their Hampshire rivals in a Ryder Cup style of scoring. If your pair wins your 18-hole match, you score a point for your team. If the match is drawn, you each score half a point. Following the foursomes, Sunday will be the singles competition, scored in the same way.
“The foursomes will probably see the lads matched up with their Island compatriot’s. It makes sense for them to play with the guys they know best and there are some very strong pairs in our ranks, from both islands.
“It’s great to have this contest back after a five-year break and last year was a really close contest.
“We were gutted to miss out, but Hampshire have some excellent players themselves with a wealth of experience.
“It’s going to be a real challenge, but all the guys are really excited for it and looking forward to hopefully bring home the spoils.”
CI squad to face Hampshire:
[Guernsey]: Tom Le Huray, Jamie Blondel, Jeremy Nicolle & Conor McKenna
[Jersey]: Harrison Carlyon, Josh Ozard, Matt Parkman & Alex Guelpa
